SoCS September 16, 2017
Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is: “vol.” Find a word with “vol” in it, and use it in your post. Have fun! – Lind G Hill
This is my fourth year taking classes at Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) held at California State University of Fullerton. OLLI is an Institute that offers classes and activities for the semi-retired and retired individuals.
In 1979, a need-assessment by CSU Fullerton indicated that a substantial percentage of Orange County’s population was over 60 age bracket. Recognizing that lifelong learning and social interaction were important keys to a successful retirement, almost 50 enthusiastic members launched the lifelong learning organization. Eventually, the organization raised enough funds to have its own building right in the heart of CSU Fullerton.
The fall semester 2017, there are 186 classes covering the arts, science, technology, special interest groups, trips and other programs. All the individuals on the executive team, chairpersons of committees, and instructors of the classes and activities are volunteers.
I have taken drawing, watercolor, life story writing, chorale, and poetry classes. There are other classes I’m interested in taking such as ceramic, photography, Tai chi, and ballroom dancing. For the current semester, I’m taking poetry, watercolor, and chorale. That’s all the time I could spend on taking classes. I enjoy them and best of all, I made friends with members of these groups.
The Showers of Blessings 
Beautiful drawings ma’am, thanks for sharing
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Thank you for your comment, Subbashini!
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What a wonderful way to learn Miriam. Sounds like you’ve really stretched yourself, good for you.
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Thank you. Right after my retirement, I wanted to keep my brain active, some online messages recommended playing games, so I did for a while. I found this Institute from an ENT doctor. I have been learning or refresh things ever since. Yes, I enjoy it!
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That’s so great.
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Yes, I’m thankful that my cancer happened late and I only need to work for one more year after the treatment!
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These are great Miriam 👍
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Yes, they are. Thank you, Elaine!
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I always enjoy seeing your painting and drawing, Miriam! I really like the colors of the pond/lake scene on the left. Did you do it in watercolor? Thanks!
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Yes, it’s watercolor. I did all the detail of the water and cottage. Toward the end,, I just wanted to finish, so the grass area was a quick brush work!
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Ah, I especially like the grass. Nice work!
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One of my instructors said, her best selling watercolor paintings sometimes are the ones she took the least time to do. The ones with a lot of detail ans she spent more time on are not the most favors of the buyers.
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Interesting!
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The quick painting usually is more abstract. Perhaps people like that more than photographic paintings!
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Not sure, but I think you may be right, that we’re responding to the energy of the work. My son did some interesting work as his senior project for his B.F.A., which is multimedia portraits (cast-off clothing and latex paint). Even now people remark that they are drawn to his pieces, and I think partly it’s the tension or energy in the way he formed and wrinkled the fabric to make the shapes. You may have something there! I can use it in my sketches, thank you!
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Oh, that concept is also used in wall painting to create an irregular look, so people could put their imagination in the lines and shapes. That’s the attractive aspect. I almost tried it but did do it. I haven’t done it as painting. I’ve seen it in oil painting. For water color, I’ve seen classmate use nets or other fabric on certain part and paint over and it does create an interesting effect. I should try it.
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OLLI must be a national thing. The local university (Kennesaw State) also has an OLLI program. Nice pictures!
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Yes, it is. Now 26 states have OLLI. Glad to hear that Kennesaw State U also has the program. Are you involved or taking classes?
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Beautiful draws Miriam!!!
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Thank you so much. I’ll take time to draw more!
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Miriyam mam…I still waiting 4 your kind birthday wishes for my baby bro…on my blog comment box…plz wish him…please…your wishes means a lot 4me.
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Oh I thought I did it. I’ll do it again!
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Thank you mam!
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You’re welcome!
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https://reinventionsreena.wordpress.com/2017/09/17/voluptuous/
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Pingback: Voluptuous – Reena Saxena
I’d love to take lots of classes like this. Thanks for sharing the info.
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Yes, I could walk in and out of the classes without pressure to stay. No homework. Just enjoy the learning!
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Fun stuff.
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Thank you, yes. They are fun!
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Your drawings are beautiful!
Thanks for sharing.
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Thank you very much. I should draw more often, but I have so little time!
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You are very welcome!
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🙂 xo
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This sounds so nice, Miriam. A lovely learning and friendship opportunity for you. Your pictures are fabulous.
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Thank you, Robbie. Yes, I try to get my husband to find some classes or social groups also!
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